New York City is extending Big Apple Connect, a program that offers free internet and cable service to public housing residents, for an additional three years, Mayor Eric Adams and city Chief Technology Officer Matt Fraser announced. Big Apple Connect, which launched in 2022, has provided more than 150,000 households—or 330,000 residents at 220 public housing developments—with free home internet access, more than any other city in the nation, according to the city. Before the program’s creation, nearly 40 percent of city public housing residents lacked access to broadband. Under the new agreement, the New York City Office of Technology and Innovation will continue to be billed directly for all residents enrolled in the program. The new deal also features additional funding from the two service providers for digital literacy training and a new online digital literacy hub with digital skills training, job application assistance and resume creation help.

Source link